NOVEMBER 1999

DEPRESSION Every one of us can feel sad or depressed for a few days. That is completely normal. But depression isn't only the blues. It is a real disease that is due to chemical changes affecting the brain. The most common symptoms of depression are sadness, weariness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, particularly difficulty falling asleep. I recommend that you treat the physical problems first. A poor sleep reduces the quality of life and reduces the capacity to finish small and normal tasks. Furthermore, insomnia disrupts social life. And a well-balanced life enables to maintain natural body functions. To improve sleep and reduce anxiety, I suggest Kava kava combination (#745): 15 to 20 drops or more according to the need, 2 to 3 times daily. Universal Homeopathic (#805) is particularly recommended since it provides an almost immediate relief of emotional torments. Take 10 to 15 drops as needed. Cudweed (#258) may be an excellent choice since this plant contains organic lithium. Take 25 drops 2 to 3 times daily. To finish, St-John's Wort (#300), 15 to 20 drops daily can be used as a natural anti-depressor. Mostly, do not forget that the depressive person needs to be taken seriously and that we understand the problem. We must avoid clichés such as 'But you have everything to be happy or you listen to yourself too much or make an effort, this is a question of willpower'. Help the person clarify their priorities and affirm him/herself by learning to say no. That person must also learn to listen to body cues, accept his/her limits and learn not passively suffer intolerable situations in order to achieve a better quality of life. In conclusion, encourage the person to be active in order to fulfil his/her basic needs and avoid isolation. Guy Blouin